The Russian telecoms watchdog Roskomnadzor has blocked the Viber online messaging service for failure to comply with national regulations, marking another significant restriction on internet communications within the country. This move reflects the continuing crackdown on messaging platforms deemed non-compliant with Russian laws.
According to Roskomnadzor, the action was taken to mitigate threats linked to the misuse of the messenger service for terrorist and extremist activities. The regulatory body highlighted concerns over Viber’s role as a potential tool for recruiting individuals for violent acts, selling drugs, and disseminated illegal content.
On December 14, 2024, Roskomnadzor issued the statement announcing the blockade, which is reported by Interfax, outlining the reasoning behind the move: "Access to the Viber service has been restricted due to failure to comply with requirements under the Russian law applying to the organizers of disseminated information. Compliance with which is necessary to prevent any threats associated with the messenger being used for terrorist and extremist purposes or for recruiting citizens to commit those or to sell drugs, and also due to publication of illicit information."
The Viber messaging application, which has amassed around 26% usage among the Russian population over 12 years old, is owned by the Japanese company Rakuten. This percentage translates to approximately 1.7 million unique users per day, indicating its substantial foothold among preferred communication platforms. For comparison, WhatsApp and Telegram see daily user figures around 8.1 million and 6.4 million, respectively.
The regulatory scrutiny of Viber has escalated significantly over the past two years, with Russian courts imposing fines totaling over 1.8 million rubles, approximately $25,000, for various infractions. Most recently, Viber incurred fines for refusing to remove content deemed false or classified as illegal under the country’s stringent content laws. According to Anton Nemkin, who serves on the Duma Committee on Information Policy, these fines remain unpaid, underscoring the messenger's position of non-compliance with the Russian legal framework.
Such regulatory measures against Viber are consistent with Russia's broader strategy to control the information environment within its borders. The blocking of messaging platforms like Viber reflects the increasing tension between global tech companies and national authorities who prioritize information oversight as part of their security strategies.
Previous fines against Viber included one issued on June 20, 2023, amounting to 1 million rubles (around $9,668) for similar non-compliance issues, demonstrating the steady pressure applied by Russian authorities. The latest actions confirm the watchdog's focus not just on the content available on these platforms but significantly the operational conduct of these companies within Russian territory.
Despite the consequences, the adaptability of alternative messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp, which remain operational and popular among the Russian audience, suggests users are seeking alternatives to maintain their communication lines. This environment raises questions about the future of messaging apps willing to operate under Russia’s ever-evolving regulatory framework.
With the enforcement of this blockade, Russian users of Viber will need to adapt, turning their attention to other platforms or seeking ways around restrictions, demonstrating what civil society practices may emerge as individuals negotiate their digital freedom within constrained environments.
Roskomnadzor's announcement is just the latest indicator of the Russian government's commitment to imposing tight controls over internet freedoms under the guise of national security, and it emphasizes the difficulties faced by global tech companies operating on Russian soil. The future of Viber and similar platforms will depend not only on compliance with local laws but also on the strategic decisions made by their parent companies when confronted with such regulatory challenges.